For this reason, I'll be spending all of my writing time (this is free-writing, not revision time) with a soundtrack. I've asked for recommendations, and here's what I have so far:
Anya Marina
Bartock
Bach
Bill Evans
Bon Jovi
Black Veil Brides
Cage
Cut Copy
Decemberists
(Recommended by a few people)Dexter Gordon
Godsmack
Goodie Mob
Ingrid Michaelson
Iron and Wine
J.J. Johnson
Josh Ritter
Kings of Convenience
Lady Gaga
Metallica
Miles Davis
Motley Crue
My Chemical Romance
Paramore
Steve Reich
T-Rex
The Clash
The Cure
The Smiths
Twelve Girls Band
Two Steps from Hell
Yeahsayer
Eclectic mix, no?
I'm going to try all instrumental, then rock, jazzy stuff, rap and so on. I hope to write a new story each go-round, and to add to my vague experiment, I'll keep my pieces separatate, just to see if any discernible pattern emerges. I think I'll keep my novel to silence, unless I become enamored by a certain tune--the way it mixes with the process of writing.
I'm sure this is a highly subjective thing, but I feel that writing and me... well, we've been going out for some time now, and we need to mix things up.
Let me know what you listen to... I'm curious.
I wrote my third novel entirely on Gregorian Chants, 13th -14th Century Orthodox to be specific. The novel has the Roman Catholic Church as a supporting theme; the music kept my thoughts focused. Needless to say, I was 'enchanted'.
ReplyDeleteI can't do much in life without music. The silence of the house bothers me too much. The silence outside? Not silent. LOVE that.
ReplyDeleteBut as for writing, gotta have the tunes going. I usually turn the XM radio to Octane and let it jam, but will dive to change the station when they play something I don't like.
Yes, Susan! The sounds of nature trump all, don't they. I love writing outside. I actually started going the park for writing practice at least one a week.
ReplyDeleteI write to music mostly to drown out the sounds of my kids and husband. I have a really weird mix - everything from opera to jazz to new age to heavy metal to soft pop. I pick something that sets the mood I want and start writing. I'm not even aware of the music once I'm into the story.
ReplyDeleteI can see that, Jaleta. Maybe just to use it as a catalyst... after all, I think most writers, if we're lucky, get in the zone soon after a short time.
ReplyDeleteThis is interesting, I never knew that so many writers write while listening to music. Music is very important to me generally, and whenever I have spare time I'm always listening to music, but I never listen to music when I write, for me personally, I think it would be too distracting. I prefer silence when I write. I'll be interested to hear how this little experiment of yours works out, Jen :)
ReplyDeleteI have this before I write about serial killing http://t.co/UfbsfLS It really puts me in the mood.
ReplyDeleteWithin Temptation :)
ReplyDeleteOn a side note, your blog was nominated (second down):
http://www.rainyofthedark.com/2011/03/awards-were-you-nominated/
Have a good day!
//R
Very interesting, Jen. I wrote in a LOUD and bustling newsroom for 18 years with no problems, but I CAN'T write my books with music playing. I always have to turn it off because music draws me in and away from my writing thoughts.
ReplyDeleteHow interesting. I am finding that it's different depending on what I'm writing, so far...
ReplyDeleteTop three of 2011 thus far: Gayngs! Yeasayer! CUT COPY!
ReplyDeleteI like these additions - Thanks.
ReplyDeleteI find that the best music to write to is something that's very familiar to me. Often it's classical, but I can also listen to CDs I've had for 15 years and played over and over. That way they provide background but are so familiar to me that they don't intrude or distract. They can also remind me of different times and places, which is sometimes useful. One band to add to your soundtrack? Try Lifecycle (mostly instrumental).
ReplyDeleteI listen to Joy Division. Ceremony is my favorite song to write to....it builds momentum and yet leads you to focus, which I find is difficult to do while listening to music and writing.
ReplyDelete